Path of Exile 2’s Early Access Approach Sparks Controversy, but Might Offer Great Rewards for Loyal Players

If you’ve ever delved into the world of Path of Exile, you’ve likely encountered its infamously enormous passive skill tree. Even if you haven’t played the game, chances are, it’s a topic you’ve heard about from avid fans. What’s equally discussed is how Path of Exile stands out as one of those rare free-to-play games that don’t exploit their player base.

Path of Exile is frequently highlighted as a prime example of fair free-to-play mechanics. It offers players the option to buy cosmetics and other in-game perks while keeping the core gameplay intact and uncompromised.

But here’s the twist: have you checked out the supporter pack prices for Path of Exile 2? They start at a reasonable $30, which seems fair, but quickly escalate to a staggering $480! Admittedly, some packages include physical items, but even without those, the cost is still noticeably higher than what you’d expect from typical free-to-play models.

So, why do these costly packs exist? Well, Grinding Gear Games, the developer, is certainly aware of the market. They wouldn’t set these prices if they didn’t believe there was a demand. Over the years, they’ve fine-tuned their monetization strategies with the original Path of Exile, and many of its bundles weren’t exactly budget-friendly either, so there’s a proven audience willing to pay.

Here’s an interesting tidbit that might not be as well-known: existing players are being rewarded for their past spending. If you’ve spent $480 or more on Path of Exile microtransactions, you’ll receive an early access key for the sequel. While $480 sounds hefty, consider this: Path of Exile has been around for a decade. Long-time fans might have already spent that much without realizing it. When you break it down, it’s just $48 a year, or about $4 a month. Not too bad, right?

This offer might not initially seem like a game-changer, but it’s a thoughtful nod to those who have been financially supporting the game over the years. These players keep their previous purchases and gain access to new content without extra cost. It’s a clever strategy by GGG to keep their loyal fan base engaged and perhaps even attract new players. Who wouldn’t want to benefit from such an arrangement?

Overall, GGG’s approach not only bolsters their reputation for fair free-to-play practices but showcases their commitment to their community. Reflecting on their monetization choices throughout Path of Exile’s history, you’ll find many instances where you’d think, “They didn’t have to do that,” yet they did. That mindset might just be what sets them apart in the industry.

Perhaps other developers can take a cue from GGG’s playbook: prioritize your players, and the profits will follow.